Workflow is the way things get done. It happens daily, whether we design it or not. It consists of the steps from start to finish of any given process; it could be laundry, ironing and storing clothes as well as printing and assembling documents at work. Getting things done takes shape in our personal and work environments as productive, nonproductive, or worse—a waste of time. So why not design workflow to get the results we want?
Three things make a successful workflow: a plan, the resources, and the people. Most leaders would be pleased if these three components were in place every time they started a project. The reality is that the perfect combination of these factors rarely occurs on its own. Leaders must be creative, flexible, and resourceful to get the results they want through intentionally designing workflow.
First, be sure to craft a plan that will get the results you desire. Think your project or task all the way through, allowing for alternate or contingency plans by creating various scenarios with appropriate actions included. Then, if resources or personnel change, you can still continue with the project.
Next, align your resources, including finances and physical structures. Maybe you will need time to reallocate funds to support this project, or raise the financial capital to fund it. It may also be necessary to modify the physical work space to accommodate the needs of the project: bigger space, rearranged space, or different/new equipment.
Finally, get the right people on the job to carry out the plan with the appropriate resources. Generate a profile of the type of people you need on this particular project—their skill sets, experience, education, etc. You may need to hire new people or reassign existing personnel.
Photo by paul. Dr. Renée N. Hale is founder and president of WellSpirit Consulting Group, Inc.—engaging organizations around the world to get well, stay well, and create positive futures. Visit www.wellspiritconsulting.com today. © 2011 Renée N. Hale
